Success of a Family: Aspirations & Motives of the Younger Family in Lo

Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun revolves around a short but difficult period in the lives of the Younger family. Each family member has dreams of a higher quality of life; free from the pressures of poverty and the literal confines of an outgrown and decrepit apartment. Ultimately, the ambitions of each Younger are inspired by dreams of a better life for the family as a whole. Though each Younger approaches this goal differently, they each desire to rise above their current position in the â€Å"rat trap† of society into a better, more respectable, life (964). Each Younger is chasing an ambiguous notion of success and believes that they will bring an end to the family’s hardships; consequentially leading to prosperity and, of chief importance to the Youngers, the rebirth of the families relationships and pride. Walter Lee Younger aspires to obtain wealth and fortune through entrepreneurism and business savvy. Walter’s belief that money is life drives his desire to become a powerful business person and fuels his belief that the family’s problems could all be solved with enough money (980). Unfortunately, Walter’s lack of experience, demonstrated by his belief that â€Å"don't nothing happen for you in this world ‘less you pay somebody off!†, continually hinders his success in life (957). Despite his shortcomings, Walter is persistent in his belief that he can succeed as a entrepreneur, eventually resulting in the loss of the family’s insurance money to Willie Harris. Walter’s belief that money is the solution results in him taking an unreasonable risk. Though these risks result in harm coming to his family they were undertaken in a desperate attempt to improve their lives. Walter’s actions are also significantly motivated by hi... ...ay own, as well as reasserting their pride as a family and establishing themselves in a higher socioeconomic bracket. Though the hardships will undoubtably continue, working together the Youngers will succeed. Works Cited Ardolino, Frank. "Hansberry's â€Å"A Raisin In The Sun†." Explicator 63.3 (2005): 181-183. OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson). Web. 23 Mar. 2012. Cooper, David D. "Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun." Explicator 52.1 (1993): 59-61. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. Hansberry, Lorraine. â€Å"A Raisin in the Sun.† The Norton Introduction to Literature Potable Tenth Edition. Ed. Alison Booth and Kelly J. Mays. New York, NY: Norton, 2011. 950-1021. Print. Matthews, Kristin L. "The Politics Of 'Home' In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun." Modern Drama 51.4 (2008): 556-578. MLA International Bibliography. Web. 22 Mar. 2012.